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A Promising Path

This remarkable region is home to a third of the world's beluga whales and is an important home for polar bears, birds and people. But climate change and industrial pressures mean that daily life could change quickly.

That's why we at the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society are working to protect this vital ecosystem, supporting
efforts to establish a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in
Western Hudson Bay that will help safeguard wildlife, sustain coastal
communities, and honour traditions for generations to come.

Take Action Now

Hudson Bay is losing ice faster than most parts of the Arctic, meaning less time for polar bears to hunt for critical food supplies due to more open water days per year. Local and international powers are eyeing this opening water in the arctic for potential shipping and trade routes.

More ships in the bay is a future that’s just around the corner, which could bring an increase in pollution, disturbing underwater noise and animal-vehicle collisions.

But this doesn’t have to be the case.

Manitoba can strengthen its economy and revitalize Churchill’s port without sacrificing its natural treasures or iconic landscapes.

Parks Canada has identified Western Hudson Bay as an area that could be protected as a National Marine Conservation Area. This designation could help maintain and enhance local livelihoods, bolster the region's tourism industry, create new jobs and bring infrastructure investments while maintaining safe, clean habitat for bears, belugas and birds.

Let's protect Canada’s great inland sea - for wildlife, people, and future generations.

Stand Up for Hudson Bay Contest: Share Your Voice & Win

We want to hear from you! Tell us why protecting Hudson Bay matters to you and/or your community.

Share your voice here or on Facebook and be entered into a contest for a chance to win a cash prize of $250 AND limited edition CPAWS merchandise bundle.

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What is a National Marine Conservation Area?

Canada has an opportunity to safeguard Hudson Bay through the creation of a National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA) in Western Hudson Bay. Parks Canada has identified this area as a priority for marine protection because of its unique southern arctic ecosystem with Canada’s largest concentration of beluga whales.

Wildlife

By establishing clear shipping lanes and directions, this could help wildlife by reducing underwater noise, lower the risk of collisions between ships and animals, and help prevent pollution which threatens water quality and fragile ecosystems.

Business

An NMCA could provide businesses with greater certainty and predictability for long-term planning and operations through clear guidance and designated shipping routes.

Tourism

Churchill's local tourism economy relies on its rugged charms, amazing natural setting, and ecosystems. An NMCA could provide new, long term jobs for locals in monitoring, tourism, and more.

Community

Coastal communities need a healthy ocean to support local jobs, cultural practices, and food systems. An NMCA could provide new, long term jobs for locals in monitoring, tourism and more.

Why Protect Western Hudson Bay?

Hudson Bay—local names for it include Kangiqsualuk ilua, Kischekumee, and Tasiujaqiuaqmiut —is one of the most ecologically and culturally significant marine regions in Canada. It lies at the end of a massive drainage basin that stretches from the Rocky Mountains in the west to Lake of the Woods in the east and as far south as Fargo, North Dakota. These waters flow into Lake Winnipeg, travel north through the Nelson River, and eventually empty into Hudson Bay.

Beluga Whales

Home to 55,000 beluga whales in the summer, which is 1/3 of the global population.

Polar Bears

Essential habitat for hundreds of polar bears that roam ice-covered shorelines to hunt for seals.

Birds

A vital nesting area for over 180 bird species along the rocky coast.

Culture

Important lands, waters, and ice for the Inuit, Dene, Cree, and Métis peoples.

Planning it Right from Day One

It’s an exciting time in the North, with Manitoba supporting opportunities in Churchill through port redevelopment and marine conservation. A National Marine Conservation Area (NMCA), as proposed by Parks Canada, is a promising way to explore Western Hudson Bay’s future.

Before a National Marine Conservation Area can be created, Parks Canada must determine whether protection is both feasible and desirable, in other words: is it going to be successful and is it wanted?

This involves a comprehensive feasibility assessment in collaboration with: Indigenous rights holders and partners, local communities and stakeholders, the provincial government, and federal departments and agencies.

If the area is deemed suitable, negotiations begin to officially establish the NMCA.

Feasibility will Examine:

Biodiversity

The benefits for biodiversity and endangered species.

Culture

The cultural and ecological significance of the area.

Community

The wants and needs of Churchill and surrounding communities.

Management

How the NMCA could be governed and managed in the future in collaboration with Indigenous partners and local communities.

Take Action

Help protect Hudson Bay! Tell Minister Dabrusin to work with the town of Churchill and local Indigenous Nations to explore making the Western Hudson Bay National Marine Conservation Area a reality.

Write A Letter

Where Are We Now?

There are several other National Marine Conservation Areas in development, such as those in the high Arctic and the St. Lawrence Estuary, that balance conservation with community benefits.

It’s time to bring that same vision to Hudson Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

CPAWS Manitoba’s role is to support marine conservation by bringing people together, facilitating conversations, and helping maintain momentum for marine protection in Hudson Bay in various forms. We are currently advocating for Parks Canada to launch a feasibility study for the proposed National Marine Conservation Area in Western Hudson Bay.

We work to connect Indigenous governments, local communities, conservation groups, and government agencies to keep discussions moving forward.

Most importantly, we’re here to listen — to understand what matters most to local people and work together to support a healthy future for the Bay and regional communities.

CPAWS Manitoba is an organization that encourages conservation, we don’t manage or regulate any protected areas. We support and Indigenous Nations, local towns, and communities who are taking the lead to care for their local marine environment.

It’s an exciting time in Western Hudson Bay, with Manitoba supporting opportunities in Churchill through port redevelopment and marine conservation. However, if we don't keep conservation planning at the forefront, we run the risk of development without clear guidelines for wildlife protection.

For belugas, increases in ocean noise from shipping can be detrimental to the species at large. Noise pollution can cause temporary or permanent damage to their hearing, cause physiological stress and can displace entire populations from their traditional habitats. This is not only an issue for the beluga themselves but also for Inuit food security.

With a National Marine Conservation Area businesses can have greater certainty and predictability for long-term planning and operations through clear guidance, designated shipping routes and speed limits. This will
allow protection of critical beluga habitat while supporting shipping and job creation.

Yes! When land or water is protected, it is managed to conserve its ecosystems and wildlife while still allowing responsible use. Management will be co-led by regional communities and Parks Canada.

What happens?: Harmful activities like off-shore oil extraction are restricted, and healthy ecosystems are prioritized. Shipping can happen and is managed in balance with other values.

Can we visit? Yes! Activities like wildlife watching, kayaking, and fishing (within sustainable limits) are often encouraged.

How can we use it? Protected areas can support cultural and eco-tourism, education, research, traditional activities, and community-led stewardship.

Protection doesn’t mean locking places away — it means balancing conservation and sustainable use, so nature and people can thrive together.

CPAWS Manitoba

The Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS Manitoba) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to protecting Manitoba’s lands and waters for future generations. Founded in 1991, we are proudly built in Manitoba and committed to making sure the voice of conservation is heard on issues that affect our parks, natural spaces, and wildlife.

Marine Conservation Work: CPAWS has been a leader in marine protection for over 30 years. We work alongside Indigenous partners, local communities and other experts to advocate for stronger, better-connected marine protected areas that respect cultural values and safeguard ecosystems.